US, UK, Australia warn of imminent terror attacks in New Delhi

The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia today issued fresh advisories warning of "imminent" terror attacks in New Delhi, particularly in marketplaces like Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, and Chandni Chowk, which are "attractive targets" for terrorist groups.

Highly placed government sources told the Press Trust of India that the advisories are being taken "seriously" and the Delhi police has been asked to be on "full alert".

The US, in its warden message updated today, said there are "increased indications that terrorists are planning imminent attacks in New Delhi".

The advisory, primarily intended for American citizens in India, said it provides updated information related to the April 21, 2010, warden message and additional information related to the travel alert issued for India on April 16, 2010.

"Markets such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar can be especially attractive targets for terrorist groups," the advisory said.

In its advisory, the UK said, "At this time there are increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in New Delhi.

"You should be particularly conscious of security considerations in the vicinity of key government installations and tourist sites," the UK's foreign and Commonwealth office said.

The Australian advisory said, "Reliable reporting indicates that terrorists may be planning to attack markets in New Delhi, including those frequented by foreigners. Such attacks could occur at any time from 22 April."

It "strongly" advised Australians to avoid all markets in New Delhi until further notice and exercise a "high degree of caution".

These countries have been issuing such advisories in the past also, but this time they have talked about an "imminent" threat of terrorist strikes in Delhi.

Government sources said Delhi is always "high" on the terrorist hit list and additional forces are being deployed in the city.

The police appealed to the public to be "vigilant and fully cooperate" with them.

The force said, "Delhi Police is aware of the advisory issued by the embassy of the US that there are increased indications that terrorist attacks are imminent in New Delhi. Delhi Police is taking appropriate measures in this regard."

The US advisory noted that terrorists have targeted places in the past where its citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.

"Americans travelling to or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security," it said.

The UK advisory also identified markets such as those in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar, as "especially attractive targets", like was done by the US.

A number of Delhi markets were bombed in 2008 and Sarojini Nagar in 2005.

Australia further said that credible reporting suggests that terrorists may be planning attacks in India directed at hotels frequented by foreigners, including those seen to be Western-owned hotels. Terrorists may also be planning attacks against Indian political and security interests.